Programmable mixed-signal input/output (IO)
US9525420B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2015 |
| Grant date | Dec 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/66
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Techniques are described for providing highly integrated and configurable IO ports for integrated circuits that can be individually configured for a variety of general purpose digital or analog functions, such as multiple channel analog-to-digital converters (ADC), multiple channel digital-to-analog converters (DAC), multiplexers, GPIOs, analog switches, switch and multiplexers, digital logic level translators, comparators, temperature sensors and relays, and so forth. The configurations of individual ports can be set by a configuration register that can, for instance, designate the function and voltage range of the port without impacting the other ports. In embodiments, logic mapping of a port order sequence can be defined. A data register can also be included for handling microcontroller commands and storing conversion results from, for instance, a port functioning as an ADC input port. These capabilities can be combined with its multi-range, high voltage and high current capability to increase functionality.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.